Turmeric herb

Turmeric herb and Free radicals

Turmeric herb is known for its miracles. Being a Nutritional and a holistic consultant, I am always fascinated at looking for herbs that can transform people's lives. On my recent quest for information, I went on to the site of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer center and was pleasantly surprised to see the information on Turmeric that was posted (www.mskcc.org) with disclaimers of course! The purported uses of Turmeric from this site list Cancer prevention, Infections, Inflammation and more. So my research into this wonder herb started.

Understand about Ayurveda a 5,000 year old natural health system. Read more..

Turmeric (active ingredient Curcumin) was originally used for culinary purposes in South Asia. When the medicinal value of Turmeric was realized by the western world, the herb took off and now it is one of the bigger source of revenue for countries like India. A number of medicinal advantages of Turmeric are attributed to its main ingredient, Curcumin. Curcuminoids present in Turmeric enrich the medicinal value, since it possess antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties, and scavenges free radicals.

Turmeric has traditionally had several beneficial properties and there are some that need to be mentioned. These are not just in the traditional usage of Turmeric, but in the modern day as well. Relief to Arthritis patients after Turmeric paste has been applied to the inflamed joints. The anti-inflammatoion properties work to lessen the extent of the inflammation, thus reducing pain as well.

In addition to this, clinical studies have proven Turmeric's ability to lower levels of triglycerides and significantly help hi providing good cardiovascular health. The inclusion of Turmeric in one's diet (it is used extensively in Indian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine) should help in maintaining a healthy heart. The cancer- fighting properties in Turmeric are slowly being discovered with recent studies. These preliminary studies state that Turmeric has the ability to slow down the growth of certain types of cancerous tumors (Breast, Pancreatic, Cervical, and Colon cancers). In India, demographic observations of areas where Turmeric is the favoured spice shows that the population of that area has lower cancer rates than others. Turmeric is known to heal wounds as well, and this has its roots in the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda. It is still followed today in India.When used as a paste, it is known to heal wounds quickly, via its anti-septic properties to give relief against cuts, bruises and burns. Turmeric supplements consumption has been increasing, as this has been attributed to Turmeric's ability to strengthen the lungs against asthma attacks. Again, it's the anti-inflammation function of Turmeric that helps prevent Bronchial inflammation, thus helping in respiration.

Turmeric may also aid in soothing irritable digestive systems. Those suffering from conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hemorrhoids and Diarrhea will find great relief with Turmeric. It has been proven to clean out the system when stagnated by several mucous membranes, thus helping hi de-congestion of the digestive system.

As a pain reliever, Turmeric has been widely proven to help ease menstrual cramping and is especially beneficial to women suffering from Dysmenorrheal cramps. This extends Turmeric and its healing properties to soothe muscular pain and ease back spasms as well. For those struggling with weight management, Turmeric may aid in fat metabolism and thus is known to aid hi maintaining the ideal body weight. Today, many weight control supplements are known to contain Turmeric, due to the faster fat burning properties. The intake of Turmeric can help hi balancing your food intake as well. A note for Diabetics, Turmeric can be a boon. Acting as a vital supplement to the needs of the body, it assists in maintaining stable blood-sugar levels. Curcumin, the active ingredient of Turmeric is known to help prevent type 2 Diabetes, when consumed in sufficient quantities.

When you consider drinking a glass of milk, flavor that with Turmeric. The combination helps strengthen the bones. Conditions like Osteoporosis can be possibly kept at bay by the regular and constant intake of Turmeric. To ensure a great hair day, every day, extracts of Turmeric are often used to dye the hair, which hi turn helps to strengthen the scalp. If you have a balding problem, Turmeric can be put to great use by stimulating hair growth, organically. It is also used in the treatment of dandruff. A note of caution - People with Bile duct obstruction, Gallstones, Stomach ulcers should not use Turmeric products. Turmeric is referred to as 'the golden herb' due to the color it takes when it is grounded to a powder. It is widely grown in South Asia. Erode, a small city hi South India is the world's largest producer of Turmeric. As of 2010, the U.S. National Institutes of Health has registered 19 clinical trials underway to study use of dietary Turmeric and Curcumin for a variety of clinical disorders.

Renee Murphy, LPN, LMT, the author of this story has been a Holistic consultant for over 20 years. You can email Renee with any questions at rmmurphy24@optimum.net. All the information provided and on supplements above and opinions expressed by Renee are her own and should not be construed as medical advice.